インスピレーション
insupirēshon
The English phrase 'inspiration' is translated into Japanese as インスピレーション (insupirēshon).
インスピレーション is a loanword from English and is commonly used in creative contexts like art, music or design to describe a sudden burst of creativity or a new idea. While it describes the concept of inspiration, other Japanese words may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance of the feeling. For instance, if you mean the motivation to take action, やる気 is often used. If you are referring to a deep emotional impact, 感銘 is a more suitable term, while 霊感 is used specifically for inspiration or influence that comes from the spirit world. To express the act of being inspired, you would use the verb phrase インスピレーションを受ける.
How do you pronounce it?
insupirēshon
Did you know?
- While インスピレーション is a loanword, the term やる気 describes the 'inspiration' to get things done and is often visually represented in manga and anime as a literal flame or aura emanating from a character.
- The word 霊感 can be used to describe a 'sixth sense' or the ability to perceive the supernatural, which is why using it for artistic 'inspiration' can lead to comical misunderstandings about ghost-hunting.
- In professional Japanese settings, 感銘 is so formal that it is frequently used in written thank-you notes to superiors to describe being 'inspired' by their leadership or a specific piece of advice.
Examples in context
- 霊感に突き動かされる (reikan ni tsukidokasareru)Being strongly moved by inspiration from the spirit world
- 彼はデザインのインスピレーションを求めている。Kare wa dezain no insupirēshon o motomete iru.He is looking for design inspiration.
- この景色は素晴らしいインスピレーションを与えてくれる。Kono keshiki wa subarashii insupirēshon o ataete kureru.This scenery provides wonderful inspiration.
- ふとした瞬間にインスピレーションが湧いた。Futoshita shunkan ni insupirēshon ga waita.Inspiration struck in an unexpected moment.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about a new art project at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki新しい絵のインスピレーションはどこから得たの？Atarashii e no insupirēshon wa doko kara eta no?Where did you get the inspiration for your new painting?
- 健太 Kenta昨日の夕焼けからインスピレーションをもらったよ。Kinō no yūyake kara insupirēshon o moratta yo.I got inspiration from yesterday's sunset.
- 美咲 Misaki健太の描く絵はいつも本当に素敵ね。Kenta no kaku e wa itsumo hontō ni suteki ne.The paintings you draw, Kenta, are always truly wonderful.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、そう言ってもらえると嬉しいよ。Arigatō, sō itte moraeru to ureshii yo.Thank you, I'm happy to hear you say that.
